Portret van Johannes van Voorst c. 1850

Leendert Springer created this portrait of Johannes van Voorst with pen in grey and brush in grey and brown. The stern presentation, dress code and high collar place Van Voorst as a man of the church, a pillar of Dutch society. The Order that he wears suggests his close relationship to the Dutch Royal family. The artwork reflects the hierarchical social structures of the Netherlands, perhaps around the middle of the nineteenth century. The artist has chosen to portray an important man of the cloth as a figure of establishment and authority. To understand this work more fully, we could consult church records, genealogical sources, and period newspapers. By using these resources, we can understand the values that were placed on social status and religious institutions at that time. In this way, historical context helps us interpret the social and cultural meanings embedded in this image.